Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer, is found in dangerous levels in homes across the Hudson Valley. An invisible threat, radon at a level above the EPA guideline was found in more than 4,000 homes tested in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties in October 2017, according to the New York Health Department.

For example, the state estimates that nearly half the home basements in Dutchess County have higher radon levels than the federal safety guideline, with about one in three homes in Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties so affected, based on short term tests taken in the basement of a home under closed house conditions. About 15-17 percent of home basements in Rockland and Westchester are above the guideline.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, resulting in 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

So why am I mentioning this now? Well, recent research reported from scientists at Johns Hopkins reiterates the wisdom of legislation introduced by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and senator Diane Savino mandating that all natural gas sold in New York must contain safe radon levels.

Joan A. Casey and her scientific team recently reported that radon levels in Pennsylvania have risen since hydraulic fracturing of natural gas commenced. The researchers said they "found a statistically significant association between proximity to unconventional natural gas wells drilled in the Marcellus shale and first floor radon concentration in the summer," suggesting "a pathway through outdoor ambient air."

ONEIDA — The city of Oneida was named the recipient of a $400,000 grant that will help residents keep their homes safe.

The Community Development Block Grant, awarded on Friday by New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office for Community Renewal, will provide funds to rehabilitate at least 16 homes in the city. As in recent years, the city will continue to take a scattered site approach in its selection of homes.

The Scattered Sites Housing Rehabilitation Program allows eligible homeowners city-wide to apply for funding the city receives through grants. In the past the city has implemented a targeted approach to dispense funding by selecting a specific neighborhood to rehab, Planning Director Cassie Rose said.

Hopewell Junction resident Robert Angevine asked himself this question a few years ago after some of his neighbors experienced well contamination from methyl tertiary butyl ether, known commonly as MTBE, a gasoline fuel additive.

Since then, Angevine has his water tested on a regular basis.

While tests have found no evidence of MTBE, recent results came back positive for coliform bacteria, prompting Angevine to install an ultraviolet filter.

"I have a 3-year-old child and another on the way," said Angevine, who said the ultraviolet filter system will give him the peace of mind that his water will be free of contaminants.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 15 percent of Americans have their own sources of drinking water, such as wells, cisterns and springs.

The potential exists for groundwater to contain some natural impurities or contaminants, even with no human activity or pollution.

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